MLB trade rumors: 5 prospects the Tigers should target

3. Clint Frazier

As the Boston Red Sox continue to creep up on them, the New York Yankees will have to decide just how aggressive they plan to be with their prospects at the trade deadline. Brian Cashman was able to acquire several big names at the deadline last year when he auctioned off Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, and Carlos Beltran. The Yankees are already playing with the house’s money at this point, as no one would have pegged them for a first-place team this deep into June.

The Yankees have exceeded expectations at almost every spot on the diamond this season. The only glaring weaknesses in the lineup are at third base and first base. Greg Bird’s status for the rest of the season continues to be shrouded in serious doubt, while Chris Carter has struggled mightily.

J.D. Martinez would do ridiculous things in Yankee Stadium, but does not have any experience to date playing first base. It is not exactly a position you learn on the fly in the middle of a pennant race, but Martinez could gradually be worked into the mix in the infield with Matt Holliday taking over the primary duties until he is ready.

Clint Frazier was the centerpiece of the Andrew Miller trade last year with the Cleveland Indians. There is no denying his tremendous potential, but he does have a long swing and a tendency to strike out. The Yankees, however, have a handful of outfield prospects in their organizational top 10, including Dustin Fowler, who has better numbers than Frazier at Triple-A and is the same age. Instead of trying to put a patch on their middling rotation at the deadline, the Yankees should strongly consider moving a top prospect for the best available slugger on the block.